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Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious low carb keto Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this pasta salad is the perfect addition to any BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. In just a few easy steps, you'll have a light and refreshing dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece.
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Introducing the Mediterranean Pasta Salad: a fresh, colorful, and downright delicious creation that's sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance! Picture this: a bowl filled with an irresistible mix of perfectly cooked pasta, vibrant veggies, and a tangy dressing that's pure magic. It's a dish that brings all the joy of a carefree summer day to your plate.
Now, let me set the scene. As I was whipping up this culinary masterpiece in my kitchen, the temperature outside was soaring higher than my granddaughter's enthusiasm for ice cream.
Cooking? Ha! Not on my agenda.
Luckily, this pasta salad came to the rescue! With just 7 simple ingredients and a mere 8 minutes to boil the pasta, I had it ready while effortlessly chopping some veggies. And let me tell you, it knocked the socks off every other pasta salad I've ever made. It's like they packed their bags and took a vacation while this beauty stole the spotlight!
You see, now that I discovered low carb pastas, I've been on a pasta salad spree lately. Grilled proteins and veggies have been ruling the kitchen, and pasta salad has become their perfect companion. But sometimes, those salads can be heavy enough to bring on an unexpected nap. Not this one, though!
I decided to put it to the ultimate test by serving it to the self-proclaimed carnivore, a.k.a. my beloved hubby aka Mr. Complainer. With a juicy grilled pork tenderloin and some zucchini on his plate, I added a generous portion of this pasta salad, awaiting his verdict.
He, of course, dove into the tenderloin first, showering me with compliments on my grilling skills. But then, he took a bite of the pasta salad. Bite after bite, his eyes lit up and he couldn't help but praise its lightness and refreshing flavors.
Mission accomplished!
One of the ingredients that I use in this recipe is store bought Tzatziki (you can grab a cucumber dill dressing) salad dressing.
I do have a recipe for homemade Tzatziki, and it is uber delicious, but so many of you have asked for quick and easy recipes that can be pulled together in just a few minutes, so I took that as a green light to "cheat" just a tad because just as much as I don't want to heat up my kitchen right now, I also don't want to wash a boat load of dishes either.
Quick, easy, simple?
These are currently all my favorite words.
So, my friends, here's the lowdown: within 10 minutes, you'll have a delicious pasta salad that boasts fresh veggies, indulgent flavors, and a sprinkle of joy. It's a winning combination that'll leave even the pickiest pasta salad connoisseurs begging for more!
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🥘Mediterranean Pasta Salad Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
- Tzatziki salad dressing - you can use my homemade tzatziki if you cannot find tzatziki salad dressing or you can grab a cucumber dill dressing instead.
- Tomatoes - you can chop Roma's or halve cherry tomatoes. If you want to reduce chopping you can toss in whole grape tomatoes.
- Pasta - this brand of low carb pasta has been life changing for me but if you are not on a keto diet you can always use regular pasta.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Mediterranean Pasta Salad Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Mediterranean Pasta Salad. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Heat a large pot of water to boiling. Salt the water and add the pasta. Cook per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss cooked pasta with the lemon juice and allow to cool a bit, then add the cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and salad dressing
- Toss well, add salt and pepper to taste.
Hint: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese to your Mediterranean Pasta Salad. The salty and tangy taste of feta pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki dressing, elevating the overall taste experience.
Substitutions
- Pasta - if you are not on a low carb diet you can make this recipe with your pasta of choice.
- Tzatziki dressing - if you prefer homemade tzatziki my recipe is fabulous. If you cannot find tzatziki dressing at the store you can use a cucumber dill salad dressing.
- Vegetables - while the recipe calls for cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, feel free to get creative with other vegetables. You can add bell peppers, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or even roasted red peppers for additional colors, textures, and flavors.
📖Variations
- Greek-Inspired - Enhance the Greek flavors by adding crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Mediterranean Veggie - Expand the vegetable selection by including roasted red peppers and marinated artichoke hearts.
- Protein-Packed - For a heartier option, incorporate grilled chicken breast, cooked shrimp, or grilled salmon.
Storage
Store the leftover Mediterranean Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for 3-4 days days.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
💭Top tip
To ensure your pasta salad stays fresh and flavorsome, refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify. Additionally, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQ about Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Yes, you can substitute the Tzatziki dressing with other dressings like Greek vinaigrette, lemon tahini dressing, or even a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing. Choose a dressing that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
Absolutely! You can add protein to this salad by including ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or feta cheese. Customize it to your liking and dietary preferences.
More Low Carb & Keto Pasta Salads
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad
- Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad
- Spicy Peanut Cucumber Noodle Salad
- Keto Pasta Salad
- Keto Macaroni Salad
- Keto Italian Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces low carb pasta
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 large cucumber peeled, seeded, and diced
- 3 large Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves chopped
- 1 cup Tzatziki salad dressing (may be called Cucumber Dill salad dressing)
- pink salt to taste
- cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of water to boiling. Salt the water (should taste like sea water) and add the pasta. Cook per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss cooked pasta with the lemon juice and allow to cool a bit, then add the cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and salad dressing
- Toss well, add salt and pepper to taste.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
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Joan
This looks totally delicious and beautiful. My son is crazy for pasta and could did it all day everyday, I like this because it's lighter than the sauces he is used to. Pinning for reference thank you for the recipe.
Anonymous
You always have the best dishes. Looks yummy!
Jolina
Food that's ready in 10 minutes has my vote! This looks perfect for summer and BBQs.
Dr. Elise Ho
Yummy. This looks terrific and it includes yummy tzatziki
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I love lightening things up whenever possible. I hope you both enjoy!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Aawww thanks Lynn! That made my day and I am glad you enjoy them!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Yes, I love tzatziki!!
Unknown
I have been searching for a quick and easy salad and this might be it. can I make it the day before and let it mingle in the fridge or just mix and eat?
Lauren Vavala
Pasta salad is one of those recipes that I love but never think to make! I'm printing this out to grab the ingredients this week - I love love love the addition of Tzatziki!
Crystal // Dreams, etc.
I love pasta salad and this looks so good! Will definitely have to try this out sometime!
Ashley
Just pinned this!! I love pasta salad and this one looks delicious!!
Unknown
Love all the textures added by the yummy veggies!
Melanie
Yummiest pasta salad! Thanks for the share!
Unknown
this looks like the most perfect pasta salad, I need to make it one day